The Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Student Dropout

Abstract

In recent times, the incidence of students dropping out of school education has been increasing. This situation negatively affects students’ future lives and has also become a factor influencing the educational development trajectory of Sri Lanka. Against this background, this study was conducted to examine the impact of socio-economic factors on student dropout in Tamil-medium secondary schools in Division 01 of the Nuwara Eliya Education Zone in Sri Lanka. The objectives of the study were to identify: the current status of student dropout; the economic and social factors influencing dropout; and the measures taken at the school level to reduce student dropout. The study was designed using a descriptive survey method and a mixed-method approach. Eighteen Tamil-medium secondary schools were selected for the study. Using purposive sampling, 54 teachers, 18 principals, 44 parents, and 66 dropout students were selected as the sample. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, including mean and standard deviation, as well as thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the average dropout rate over the past three years was 25%. The dropout rate was higher among male students compared to female students, and higher among students in Grades 9–11 compared to those in Grades 6–8. Among the economic factors, parental poverty (M = 4.8) and living separately from parents (M = 4.7) had a very high level of influence. Additionally, failure to meet basic needs (M = 3.8) and parents’ occupational status (M = 3.7) showed a moderately high level of influence. Among the social factors, early marriage (M = 4.6), engagement in household work or urban employment (M = 4.6), and family problems (M = 4.7) had a very high level of influence. Similarly, association with over-age peers (M = 3.9) and sexual abuse (M = 3.9) were found to have a moderately high impact. Furthermore, the study found that the measures implemented at the school level to reduce student dropout were neither sufficient nor satisfactory. It is suggested that student dropout can be reduced to some extent through the effective and collaborative implementation of activities aimed at promoting students’ continuous learning.